Family Adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park

Whispers of the Past, Echoes of the Present

Today was a day of gentle exploration, a chance to connect with Portugal's history and natural beauty in a way that truly engaged the senses. Leaving behind the cozy embrace of our accommodation, Thomas, Leela and I set out to discover the Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso and the ancient Roman road, Estrada Romana do Alqueidão da Serra. I was excited to see what these unique attractions had in store for us, and how they would add another layer to our family adventure in Serra de São Mamede Natural Park.

Our first stop was the Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso. The drive there was beautiful, with rolling hills and quaint villages dotting the landscape. As we arrived, the crisp November air carried the scent of damp earth and pine, a refreshing change from the city smells of Heidelberg. The park itself is nestled in a charming village, and even though it was off-season, the tranquility was captivating.


Explore the serene beauty of Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso, where nature and sensory experiences unite for unforgettable adventures.
Leela was immediately drawn to the playful atmosphere. The Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso is designed to engage all your senses, with a special focus on accessibility for visually impaired individuals. The path was well-marked, and we followed it, discovering various interactive stations along the way. There were wooden sculptures of animals, water features, and textured surfaces to touch and feel. I watched Leela carefully as she explored each station, her face lighting up with curiosity and joy. Thomas and I were equally fascinated, taking our time to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind the park's design.

We learned that the village gets its name from the bears that used to come to drink water from the natural stone troughs, or 'pias'. Although the bears are long gone, the pias remain, and we spotted a few of them along the trail. Leela was thrilled to see the bear statues, and we took some fun photos with them. It was a delightful experience, and I appreciated how the park combined education with recreation. We spent a pleasant hour wandering through the park, enjoying the fresh air and the unique sensory experience. I made a mental note to bring binoculars next time, as this seems like a great place for birdwatching.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of places, where history and nature intertwine.

After our sensory adventure, we drove to Estrada Romana do Alqueidão da Serra, an ancient Roman road located a short distance from the village. As we approached the site, I felt a sense of awe wash over me. To think that this road was built between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD was incredible. The purpose of the road was to facilitate the transport of iron extracted from nearby mines. It was a secondary route that connected the Middle Tagus region to the Estremadura coast through the Aire and Candeeiros mountains.


Explore the Estrada Romana do Alqueidão da Serra, a magnificent historical landmark showcasing ancient Roman engineering and breathtaking natural beauty.
The road itself is remarkably well-preserved, with a stretch of about 100 meters still intact. As we walked along the ancient stones, I imagined the Roman soldiers and traders who had once traveled this very path. It was a tangible connection to the past, a reminder of the rich history that permeates this region of Portugal. Leela, of course, was more interested in the stones themselves, picking them up and examining them with childlike wonder. Thomas, ever the history enthusiast, shared interesting facts about the Roman Empire and its presence in Portugal.

According to some sources, this road was also used by Nuno Álvares Pereira in the late 14th century to lead his troops to the military camp of São Jorge, on the eve of the great Battle of Aljubarrota. Standing there, I could almost hear the echoes of marching soldiers and the clatter of weapons. It was a powerful and evocative experience.

After soaking in the historical atmosphere, we decided to treat ourselves to a delightful lunch at Cantinho do Pescador. The name suggested fresh seafood, and we were eager to try some local flavors. We weren't disappointed. The restaurant had a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, and the aroma of grilled fish filled the air. We ordered a platter of grilled sardines, a local specialty, and a plate of clams in garlic sauce. The food was delicious, and Leela particularly enjoyed the sardines, devouring them with gusto. Full and content, we continued our exploration.


Savor authentic Portuguese seafood dishes in Ribeira de Nisa's charming Cantinho do Pescador – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
As the afternoon waned, we sought a moment of relaxation at O Castelo - Café Lounge. This café offered a serene ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Sipping on aromatic coffee, Thomas and I savored the tranquil atmosphere while Leela amused herself with coloring books. It was the ideal interlude before dinner.


Discover the cozy charm of O Castelo - Café Lounge in Marvão, where exquisite espresso meets breathtaking views.
For dinner, we chose Sal e Alho, a restaurant known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with locals, which is always a good sign. We ordered a hearty stew and some grilled meats, all cooked to perfection. The portions were generous, and the flavors were rich and satisfying. It was the perfect way to end a day of sensory exploration and historical immersion.


Experience authentic Portuguese flavors at Sal e Alho in Portalegre – a dining destination that celebrates local cuisine with every dish.
Before heading back to our accommodation, we made a quick stop at Snack Bar Restaurante Boavista for breakfast tomorrow. It’s conveniently located near the main road and boasts a lovely terrace with beautiful views. I am looking forward to enjoying a leisurely breakfast there before we embark on tomorrow's adventure to Torre Medieval da Portagem and Caleiras da Escusa.


Discover authentic Portuguese cuisine at Snack Bar Restaurante Boavista in Castelo de Vide—where local flavors meet warm hospitality.
As I reflect on today's experiences, I am struck by the way that travel can connect us to the past and the present simultaneously. Walking along an ancient Roman road, engaging our senses in a thoughtfully designed park, savoring local flavors in a cozy restaurant – these are the moments that make travel so enriching and rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, and I look forward to discovering more of Portugal's hidden gems in the days to come. Tomorrow, we are off to explore Torre Medieval da Portagem and Caleiras da Escusa, and I can't wait to see what adventures await us.

The Serra de São Mamede Natural Park continues to surprise and delight us with its unique blend of history, nature, and culture. It's a place where you can slow down, connect with your senses, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. And as an Indian expat living in Germany, I find something truly special about discovering these hidden corners of Europe and sharing them with the world. It reminds me that no matter where we come from, we are all connected by our shared human experience and our love for exploration and discovery.